With less than 24 hours to go before the much-anticipated kickoff of the 2015 edition of Bedlam football between Oklahoma and Oklahoma State, we asked Cowboy FanSided expert Andrew Miller several questions pertaining to this year’s matchup. His responses, along with the questions, are provided below:
Q: What are the key factors for an Oklahoma State victory in Bedlam on Saturday?
Andrew Miller: The key factors for Oklahoma State to win the game on Saturday are winning the turnover battle, limiting the Sooners’ rushing attack and Mason Rudolph’s confidence.
Q: How much of a motivational factor for the Cowboys is having been the victor in two of Bob Stoops’ nine total home losses in 18 seasons at OU?
AM: I don’t think the Pokes are motivated by beating Bob Stoops as much as they are just beating a rivalry opponent in Norman that they have only beaten 18 times in the 110-game history of the series.
Q: How much of a factor is having an extra week to prepare for this game?
AM: The bye week is huge for both teams. We truly get to see which coach gameplans (sic) more effectively. Mike Gundy has had great preparation in every game except Baylor (the only Big 12 game the Cowboys have lost this season). However, Bob Stoops was able to completely outcoach Gundy last year ( a game won by the Sooners 58-23).
Q: Are there any key players ruled out of this game for Oklahoma State with injuries?
AM: The only key injuries are players who are looking for medical redshirts: DE Jordan Brailford and WR Marcell Ateman.
Q: Your prediction for the game?
AM: I think both offenses will produce more than 500 total yards. On the OSU side:
- Justice Hill and Chris Carson rush for over 200 yards combined.
- Mason Rudolph gets 350 yards passing, 3 TDs, I INT.
- The Cowboys force two turnovers.
For OU:
- Baker Mayfield: 400 yards passing, 4 total TDs, 2 INT.
- Samaje Perine held in check, but Joe Mixon goes for 150 total yards.
Final score: Oklahoma 52, Oklahoma State 50